About Spokenforks

Spokenforks aims to be an insightful blog for those wishing to gain a firmer grasp on the world of racing; doing so without swamping readers with history and terminology. Currently focusing upon the previewing and analysis of major races, Spokenforks is soon to expand with interviews from domestic and international riders – as well as live reports from the roadside. If you have any questions about the sport, from race winning strategy to what the riders have for breakfast – please get in touch. The more feedback received, the greater Spokenforks can be tailored towards your tastes as they become clearer. Spreading Spokenforks through sharing the site goes to attract further attention; helping secure press passes and exclusive interviews with top names at major races – Thank you.
For further information, please contact Spokenforks at – editor@spokenforks.com

Purchase Spokenforks Official Kit

Summer 2015 sees the release of the first limited edition run of official Spokenforks apparel; the result of a collaboration with professional kit manufacturer Kalas. Available in both Men’s and Women’s cuts, the jersey is constructed from fabric which utilises carbon fibre to create a more lightweight and aerodynamic surface. With elongated sleeves and mesh panelling in key areas, Kalas ensures comfort and performance is guaranteed whenever working hard on the bike. Other features included on the limited edition jersey are a three-compartment rear pocket, full length concealed zipper providing continuity of design and an inner removable water-proof pocket to keep your valuables safe.
For more information regarding the Spokenforks kit, including how to order yours, please click on the sidebar to the left.

Independent Cycling Race Previews

Giro d’Italia 2017 – Stage 12 Preview

Course:

Omar Fraile delivered Spokenforks a standout victory yesterday, having backed the combative Dimension Data rider to make the most of his recent form and cash in on the day’s breakaway lottery. Today’s offering looks set to be decided by the sprinters, allowing them a chance to contest stage honours for the first time in nearly a week of racing, though it will take 229km to cross the finish line first. Starting in Forlìand finishing at Reggio Emilia, the day begins with a gradual incline to the top of the first recognised climb on Stage 12, the Cotta di Cassaglia officially lasting only 7.7km (avg 4.9% max 9%). Once the peloton join the motorway, they will then tackle the 10.1km long Category 3 Valico Appenninico, a tame average gradient of 3.7% punctuated by a maximum incline of 12%. The road will then begin to drop downwards once again, eventually leading into a simplistic finale at Reggio Emilia, where the anticipated sprint shall be fought for upon a wide finishing straight which is preceded by several sweeping bends.

Contenders:

Fernando Gaviria is expected to have emerged from the initial barrage of gruelling mountain stages at this year’s Giro d’Italia in good shape, while his supporting riders are also considered more durable in comparison to the leadout trains of his rivals. The Colombian was already approaching his best form last week, so the likelihood of his usual opponents being in worse shape than then, should only serve to improve his odds of success today. He did crash during the individual time trial, but it appears that a small patch of road rash was all he sustained during the incident.

André Greipelhas become a more difficult rider to anticipate in the last couple of seasons, demonstrating greater strength and durability than we had previously come to expect from the big German sprinter. He often emerges in comparatively better form than his rivals as a grand tour passes the midway point and should enjoy this straightforward finale which will allow him to churn out the watts. A degree of questioning hangs above his top sprinting speed so far at the race, but for a rider of his calibre, class is permanent in situations such as these.

Caleb Ewan should have taken the majority of the sprint stages we have seen at 2017’s Giro d’Italia, yet has only managed to collect one and it could prove difficult to improve upon this fact today. The Australian is the fastest rider here alongside Gaviria, yet does not quite possess the same level of strength as his Colombian rival, making it tough to realistically imagine him being fresh enough to take the win. However, his leadout train is clicking into gear nicely at the race and it could be their success which proves enough to compensate for the difference in condition right now.

Sam Bennett is confident that he has the ability to take a grand tour stage victory, despite having been struck by sickness early on in this year’s Giro d’Italia. The Irishman has seen his health improve rapidly in the last few days, appearing extremely motivated to return amongst the fray on Stage 12 and knows that his teammates have emerged from yesterday’s rigours in good shape. His leadout is now close to the best, but may find the very simple conclusion to the day limiting in regards to securing a strong advantage over the trains of Orica and Quick Step for example.

Other riders expected to feature in the mix are Sacha Modolo, Ryan Gibbons, Phil Bauhaus and Jakub Mareczko.